Comment broder Satin stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Satin stitch
The Satin stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Satin stitch.
The satin stitch is worked by laying a series of parallel straight stitches side by side to cover an entire surface smoothly and evenly.
1 – Begin the first stitch
Bring the needle up at A on the right side of the fabric. Insert it at B, directly across on the other side of the shape, to form the first straight stitch.
2 – Continue filling
Bring the needle up at C, just beside A. Insert it at D, just beside B. Form a new straight stitch parallel to the previous one.
3 – Cover the surface
Repeat the same movements, placing each stitch against the previous one. Take care to cover the entire shape without leaving any gaps between stitches.
4 – Finish the stitch
When the shape is completely filled, take the needle through to the wrong side at the edge of the motif. Fasten the thread by passing it under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from left to right or from bottom to top depending on the orientation of the shape.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from right to left or from top to bottom depending on the orientation of the shape. Tips for a successful satin stitch
Tips for a perfect satin stitch
Stitch direction: Stitches must remain parallel to one another and perpendicular to the outline for a clean, even finish.
Consistency: Keep a constant stitch length throughout to achieve a uniform surface.
Thread tension: Avoid pulling the thread too tight, as this will flatten the stitches and reduce the slight raised quality of the stitch.
Alignment: Always pierce the fabric at regular intervals to achieve a perfectly aligned result.
Shape width: Beyond approximately 8 to 10 mm, it is advisable to use a different stitch to ensure the filling holds securely.
Result
On the front: a smooth, dense and even surface, entirely covered with parallel stitches.
On the back: a series of aligned straight stitches following the direction of the filling.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Satin stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The satin stitch is used to fill narrow shapes and create clean, flat areas of colour in floral and botanical compositions.
It is particularly valued for embroidering petals, leaves and elongated motifs in traditional embroidery.
Respecting the maximum width of the shape is essential for the filling to hold well.
The satin stitch: a fundamental filling stitch worked in straight stitches.
Its construction rests on a series of stitches placed edge to edge without overlapping, gradually building a dense, controlled flat area.
This approach highlights the quality of the thread and the precision of the gesture.
It is one of the most widely used filling techniques in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Satin stitch?
• understand the principle of filling a surface with straight stitches
• develop regularity of gesture to achieve an even, flat result
• control thread tension on narrow and elongated shapes
• build precision in stitch placement and alignment
Learn the Satin stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the satin stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.